Ginza Konparuyu, Public Bathhouse

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Believe or not, An Old “Sento” still exists in Ginza

“Sento” or a bathhouse open to the public for a fee, had been quite popular among Japanese before and after decades of World War II. However, a number of Sento has been decreased along with the improvement of living standard in Japan. Now it is very difficult to find this nostalgic style bathhouse in Japan, and even in busy Ginza Streets.

We used to have 6 public bathhouses in Ginza area such as one in Yurakucho, “one behind of Matsuzakaya Department Store, “Matunoyu” behind of Matsuya Department Store, “Daikokuyu” behind of Wako Department Store, “Kaisuiyu” in front of JR Shinbashi Station, and “Kusatsuyu” along the Showa Street. Now only 2 bathhouses are operating in Ginza, “Konparuyu” and “Ginzayu”.

“Konparuyu” bathhouse is located in the “Konparu Street”, Ginza 8-chome, where night clubs and bars are commonly seen. It takes about 5 minutes from JR Shinbashi Station. Ii is said that the origin of the old bathhouse dates back to Bunkyu 4 in the Edo Era (1863), 5 years before the Meiji Restoration. The street was named after a Noh actor “Konparu-dayu” who was employed by Tokugawa Shogun and had resided around here.

You never miss white Chinese characters “金春湯” on a dark blue signboard in busy Ginza street. After going through “Noren” curtain, you will find common “Shochiku-style” shoe rockers. So you put your shoes in the rocker and proceed to the front counter for payment of the entrance fee.

A changing room is rather small with only 4 square meters. An old fashioned fan with three blades is equipped to the ceiling, but it seemed to be out of order. A quite strange scene is a large household Shinto altar is placed in front of the central pillar.

Although, bathing space is not wide enough with only about 4 square meters, you can enjoy seeing tile paintings while taking bath. There are small hotter tub and lukewarm tub, and temperature of hotter one is about 42 degree centigrade which is rather lower among this type of hotter bath.

Why don’t you take a bath in this nostalgic bathhouse for your good experience in Japan? However, after taking bath, I don’t recommend you to drop in to nearby night clubs easily. Sometimes, just a glass of beer costs you a lot. There are many attractive and reasonable priced “Izakaya” or Japanese style pubs in Ginza. If you want to enjoy eating out, I am welling to escort you after guided walking tour in Ginza.

■General Information

■Admission fee (Inclusive tax)

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Please see my guided walking tour plan in Ginza.

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